Ambrose brings five years of experience as an administrator in the student affairs division at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond from 2007-2012. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Saint Peters College in Jersey City, New Jersey and received a master’s at the University of Louisiana Monroe. Both degrees were in criminal justice. He has a total of eight years of higher education experience.

In his new position, Ambrose will direct the area of student life, and supervise directors of residence life, student development and student activities. He’s responsible for the Student Government Association, intramurals, student conduct, Mississippi College’s Welcome Week in late August, the Miss MC Pageant, clubs, tribes along with other organizations at the 5,000-student university.

It’s a challenging assignment, but Ambrose is well-qualified to be a solid leader at the Baptist-affiliated institution in Clinton.

“Jonathan is an outstanding professional who comes to Mississippi College with a strong background in student life and a strong background in his faith,” says Jim Turcotte, vice president for enrollment services and dean of students.

“I am very pleased to have Jonathan working to make the student experience even stronger,” Turcotte added.

An Amory, Mississippi native who grew up in Tioga, Louisiana, Ambrose thoroughly enjoys the daily interaction with colleagues and students.

It’s a diverse group of Mississippi College people who “are genuinely happy in what they do and they are cohesively working towards the overall mission of the university, striving for the cause of Christ,” Ambrose said. “Within that, this position allows me to work with students in a true holistic student development standpoint.”

Ambrose and his wife, Mandy, a third grade teacher at Northside Elementary, are the parents of one son, Wes, 6, and a daughter, JoElle, 4.

There’s time for him to get away from his office on the third floor of Nelson Hall. Faith and family top his priority list. Jonathan is also an avid hunter and a passionate New Orleans Saints fan.

Asked about his career goals in five years, Ambrose hopes to move up the ranks and become a dean of students at a college. “All I know if that I will be where the Lord will lead me because He definitely led me to MC.”

Ambrose succeeds Joseph Odenwald, who left Mississippi College earlier this year to take a staff position at Louisiana State University’s School of Engineering. Jonathan is among several MC newcomers who will be introduced at the university’s faculty/staff convocation on August 22 at Swor Auditorium.

Photo: Jonathan Ambrose is the associate dean of students at Mississippi College.